Breast Lift ("Mastopexy")
Description
Raises and
reshapes sagging breasts, by removing
excess skin and repositioning the
remaining tissue and nipples to improve
its appearance. A breast lift can also
reduce the size of the areola the darker
skin surrounding the nipple. If a
patients breasts are small or have lost
volume (after pregnancy), getting breast
implants in conjunction with a lift can
increase their firmness and size.
Length
1 to 3
hours.
Recovery
Back to
work: 1 week or more. Strenuous
activities: 1 month. Fading of scars:
May take up to a year.
Technology
The most
common procedure involves an
anchor-shaped incision following the
natural contour of the breast. The
incision outlines the area where breast
skin will be removed, defining a new
location for the nipple. After excess
skin is removed, the nipple and areola
are moved to a higher position. The skin
surrounding the areola is then brought
down and together, to reshape the
breast. Patients with little sagging and
smaller breasts may require a less
extensive incisions. If so, a surgeon
may use the doughnut (or concentric)
mastopexy procedure, in which circular
incisions are made around the areola,
and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is
removed.
Patient Status
Outpatient -
Usually outpatient in the surgeons
office. Some cases require inpatient
services.
Anesthesia
Local with
Sedation
General
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